9 Things to Know Before Getting Stem Cell Elbow Treatment in Mexico
Elbow pain from tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, a partial tear, or arthritis can make gripping, lifting, and even typing uncomfortable. If rest, therapy, and injections have not helped, you may be weighing surgery. Dream Body Clinic in Bucerías, Mexico (near Puerto Vallarta) offers a non-surgical option: a targeted injection of 50 million mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the elbow joint. Here is what to know before you decide.
1. It is a 50 million cell injection into the elbow joint
The protocol delivers 50 million MSCs by intra-articular injection directly into the elbow joint. The aim is to calm inflammation and support repair of cartilage and soft tissue such as tendons and ligaments. The clinic describes it as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, and says the injection takes only a few minutes.
2. The cells are made in the clinic’s own certified lab
The MSCs come from Wharton’s jelly (umbilical cord tissue) and placenta from live, healthy births. They are cultivated in the clinic’s on-site lab, which the clinic describes as COFEPRIS certified and ISO rated.
3. One published price, with MRI and bloodwork included
The all-inclusive package is $3,500 USD per elbow. It includes the 50 million cells, the injection, an on-site MRI, and a full blood panel, with treatment given by experienced medical professionals in a certified facility.
4. It is used for several kinds of elbow problems
The clinic uses it for people with:
- Chronic elbow pain
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Partial tendon or ligament tears
- Osteoarthritis of the elbow
It is aimed at people who want to avoid or delay surgery. Results vary with the severity and duration of the condition.
5. It is not right for everyone
An MRI is required, and the treatment may not go ahead if it shows a complete tear or advanced osteophytes (bone spurs). The most common reason for disqualification is a complete tear or bone spurs in the joint. If you are not a candidate, you pay only for the MRI ($500) and blood panel ($300), not the treatment fee. The clinic also does not treat patients with cancer in the past 5 years, and advises against treatment within 3 months of a cortisone injection. A very small percentage of patients are non-responders.
6. You get an MRI on site, and it is required
A new MRI is done at the clinic and is included in the price, so the doctors have accurate data on the joint. If you have a recent MRI from the past year, you can email the written radiology report (not the images) to the clinic for a preliminary review. The clinic notes that the MRI coil has size limits, so check the measurements on the page and tell the clinic if your arm may not fit. They can arrange an MRI with a partner lab instead.
7. Plan on about five days in town
A typical schedule for each elbow:
- Day 1: arrive and rest
- Day 2: MRI and bloodwork
- Day 3: MRI review and payment
- Day 4: treatment
- Day 5: fly home
Treatment is at Dream Body Clinic in Bucerías, Nayarit, in the Puerto Vallarta area. Exact details depend on availability.
8. Recovery: a few weeks to return, months to peak
- Night of and day after: some joint tightness or soreness is possible. The clinic provides medication for it.
- First 2 weeks: no exercise or sports.
- Weeks 2 to 6: a 4-week physiotherapy protocol, developed by the clinic’s orthopedic surgeon.
- After week 6: gradually return to your usual activities.
- Months 3 to 6: peak results are typically reported.
The injected cells stay in the body for about 8 to 12 months, seeking out inflammation.
9. Prepare before you go
- Stop NSAIDs and prednisone at least 1 week before treatment.
- Do not book within 3 months of a cortisone or corticosteroid injection.
- After treatment, stay off NSAIDs, prednisone, and anti-inflammatory supplements such as ginkgo or turmeric for at least 2 weeks, preferably 6.
- Avoid cortisone shots for at least 3 months after, preferably 6.
The clinic uses iodine and Microdacyn to minimize infection risk and says no patient has had an infection so far.
Ready to find out if you are a candidate?
Call (888) 704-3977 or WhatsApp +52 322 232 1055 for a free consultation, or email info@dreambodyclinic.net. The team can review whether the elbow protocol is right for your situation and explain the full process.
Elbow Stem Cell Treatment – 50 Million Mesenchymal Stem Cells & and MRI
Results vary and no outcome is guaranteed. This content is for information only and is not medical advice.
